Kathryn Haas

Kathryn Haas is an Associate Professor of the Practice of Chemistry at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, where she has held appointments since 2021. Her research focuses on uncovering how biological molecules control metal coordination chemistry, particularly in the context of copper redox dynamics in human extracellular fluids and membrane interfaces.

• Email: kathryn.haas@duke.edu
• Office Location: 1224 French Science Center, Duke University

Research Interests: Haas's work bridges bioinorganic chemistry and neurodegenerative disease studies. Her lab investigates how proteins like amyloid beta and Ctr1 regulate copper trafficking and redox activity, with implications for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. She also explores metal homeostasis through human serum albumin and Histatin in saliva.

Publication Trends: Recent articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding metal ion coordination in biological systems, with a focus on structural analysis and redox stability. Collaborative educational studies examine ethics training in STEM curricula, reflecting her commitment to pedagogical innovation.

Teaching: Haas instructs courses ranging from foundational CHEM 118 (GOB for pre-health majors) to advanced topics like CHEM 431 (Advanced Inorganic Chemistry) and CHEM 342 (Bioinorganic Chemistry & Materials).

Grants: Her research is funded by grants including:

• Communicating Science: 12 Profound Scientific Breakthroughs (Principal Investigator, 2022–2025)
• NSF MRI Acquisition of a Microscale Thermophoresis System (Major User, 2022–2025)
• Transporting Cu(I) as Cargo and Using Cu(III) as a Killer Cofactor (Principal Investigator, 2021–2024)

Laboratory Members: Current researchers include undergraduates Kaylee Ruth, Emily Post, and alumni such as Morgan Matthews and Stefanie Schwab Miller, who have contributed to studies on Cu oxidation state control.